Ways to help

BYC is a volunteer organization. We rely on the dedication and talent of people wiling to donate their time on a regular basis. Below are several ways in which people often donate their time and talents. If you have a talent that you'd like to offer and you think could be of help to us but your skill is not listed here, please let us know.

Adoption center: Help around the center by cleaning, feeding, scooping litter, and socializing cats and dogs. Bake sales: Provide baked goods various times throughout the year

Vet tech services: Provide routine medical care (as allowed by law), including testing for feline leukemia and heartworm and the administration of routine shots, excluding rabies Foster pets: One of the most rewarding and perhaps challenging ways to volunteer is to become one of the families to see down-and-out cats or dogs through their transformation to a loving family pet. Because it's such a tough activity, we expect new foster homes to be capable self-starters who are wiling to learn and work within our system. It takes a special person/family to foster. Apply to become a foster home here.

Pet representative: Like fostering, this is one of the most challenging but most rewarding activities. “Reps” guide foster families, maintain the heath records, ensure animals receive veterinary care and supplies they need and process adoptions (including screening interested homes). Experienced reps may also open new foster homes and train foster homes to be their own representatives. It is very time-intensive, and we're looking for volunteers willing to commit for several years.

Foster Home Application

Thank you for your interest in fostering rescue animals through Because You Care. Please fill out the following information. We will be in contact with you as soon as possible after we receive your application.

Your Information

First NameLast NameAddressCityStateZipEmailPhonePlease tell us about your previous experience in regards to caring for animals.How did you find out about Because You Care, and what made you interested in volunteering?

Residence

Length of time at current addressPlease describe your homeIf you rent, will your landlord allow indoor pets?

Yes

No

Not applicable

Landlord's name & phone #:What time of day/evening would be conveinient to show the pet to prospective families?How many adults live in the residence?How many children live in the residence?Children's Ages:Is anyone home during the day?Does anyone in the family have allergies?

Yes

No

If yes, please list allergiesWhich family member will be the primary caretaker?Has any member of your household been charged and/or convicted of an animal welfare law violation such as, neglect, cruelty, abandonment?

Yes

No

If so, Please describe the violation

Current or Past Pets

Do you have pets?

Yes

No

If yes, please list the type of petsAre these pets spayed/neutered?

Yes

No

Have you had pets in the past?

Yes

No

If yes, what happened to the pet(s)?Have you ever taken one to an Animal Shelter?

Yes

No

If so, please explain:

Preferences

Would you prefer:
(We require our cats/kittens to remain indoors 100% of the time)
Would you prefer:
(We require a fenced in yard or a running line for dog foster homes)
Age Preference:Size Preference:Where will the foster pet stay while you are away from home?What is the most convenient time to phone you?

Lost and found pets

Stay Notified

Sign up for Because You Care's e-newsletter to keep you updated on animal rescue news and pets available for adoption.

Make a Donation

Because You Care is an Erie, PA, 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are directed toward providing veterinary care, food and shelter to animals in our program. Online donations are secure and tax-deductible.